Registrars across the UK will be able to accept UKVI “share codes” as evidence that a party is exempt from immigration control when giving notice of a marriage or civil partnership. The regulations were laid before Parliament on 2 February 2026 and take effect on 25 February 2026, bringing notice checks into line with the Home Office’s wider eVisa approach. (gov.uk)

The underlying framework is unchanged. Under Part 4 of the Immigration Act 2014 and the referral scheme operated by UKVI, any proposed marriage or civil partnership where at least one party is not exempt must be referred to the Secretary of State, who decides whether to investigate for a possible sham. Exempt persons include those exempt from immigration control and specified categories defined in legislation and guidance. (gov.uk)

What’s new is the way exemption can be shown. Alongside existing paper routes, a party can now provide their date of birth and a valid share code that gives the registrar time‑limited access to their online UKVI account to confirm a digital record of exemption. If a code has expired or access lapses, the registrar can ask for a fresh code for a defined period. The instrument also introduces clear definitions of an “online UKVI account” and a “share code” to avoid ambiguity. (gov.uk)

Practically, share codes are nine characters long, purpose‑specific and typically valid for 90 days. The checker needs the code and the holder’s date of birth to view the status through GOV.UK; generating a new code does not invalidate earlier ones that are still in date. This is the same workflow already used for right to work and right to rent checks. (gov.uk)

The legal changes amend the Referral of Proposed Marriages and Civil Partnerships Regulations 2015 for England and Wales, and the parallel 2015 administrative regulations covering Scotland and Northern Ireland. The referral machinery stays the same; the evidence route is modernised so registrars across all three systems can use digital proof. (legislation.gov.uk)

For couples, the advice is straightforward. Bring primary ID to evidence your date of birth and, if you are exempt from immigration control and hold digital status, generate a current share code before your appointment. If a code won’t open or has expired, registrars can ask you to produce another on the day-many local services already signpost this process. (gov.uk)

For registration services and the wedding industry, this is a modest but useful administrative fix. Direct access to the Home Office record should reduce paper handling, cut rebooked appointments caused by missing or outdated documents, and create a clearer audit trail. The Home Office’s note to the instrument indicates no full impact assessment, signalling minimal system‑wide disruption is expected.

The regulations were signed on 29 January 2026 by Mike Tapp, the Home Office minister for migration and citizenship, whose brief covers UKVI and the General Register Office. The move sits within the department’s broader shift to digital status and paper‑light checks. (gov.uk)